Crocodiles Loose After South Africa Escape

South African police are urging experts to come forward and help rescue thousands of crocodiles that escaped from a farm.

Up to 15,000 sprung from the Rakwena Crocodile Farm in the far north of the country when its owners were forced to open the gates to prevent a storm surge, local daily Beeld reported.

Only 2,000 have been returned to the farm and police are urging experts to help them recapture the rest.

Hangwani Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the police in Limpopo Province, said: "Due to the number of crocodiles that have been washed away there is a need for expertise, people who have expertise to come and assist."

News reports from the scene show people hunting down smaller crocodiles at night, tying them up and taking them back to the farm.

The surrounding province of Limpopo has been hit by serious floods which have killed 10 people and left many homeless.

"Before there were only a few crocodiles in the Limpopo River. Now there are plenty," said Zane Langman, the son-in-law of Rakwena's owner.

"We go catch them when farmers phone us and say crocs are around."

Mr Langman earlier used a motor boat to rescue some local residents who had climbed onto the roof of a garage to escape the rising floods.

"When we arrived there, the crocodiles were circling them," he said.

Police spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi said: "Police, the army, and people from the community are assisting."